Thanksgiving Day Celebrations in the United States

Scripture:  (Ephesians 5:20 NKJ)  …Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Psalm 92:1 ) It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High  (Psalm 92: 1, 2) To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.

Thanksgiving Day holiday observance is one of my favorite times of the year for many reasons. Its’ traditional celebration centers around food, fun, and festivities. Most importantly, it is a day proclaimed by President A. Lincoln for families to gather together with a humble heart and offer fervent prayers and praises to God, the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). Thanksgiving Day is an annual legal national holiday given to closures for schools and most businesses. Shutdowns thus mark a near-perfect opportunity to attend worship service without distractions.

Giving thanks should cause Christians to focus intently on the Almighty God, thus remembering His faithfulness (Ps. 92:1-2). “Thanksgiving Day should not be the only time geared to expressions of gratitude to God.” (In Touch Ministries Nov. 2021) Giving thanks should be every day, throughout the day occurrence. You can never run out of reasons to give thanks. For, God is the sustainer and keeper of each life, our protector and security, our healer and restoration of health issues, grace and mercy, the giver of eternal life in His Son.  I am sorry to say;  that the 21st century Thanksgiving Day Holiday celebration has fallen short of giving thanks to our Lord as intended since coming into being around 1621.  

Apostle Paul, a prisoner when he wrote Ephesian 5:20,  yet, he was thankful for what God was doing in him and for him (Eph. 1:16, 5:4. 20, Phil. 1:3.and Col. 1:3). Paul commands the people to be thankful for all things “at all times.” This command cannot be done in your own strength; you need the Holy Spirit to obey.

Most Americans will agree that the Thanksgiving Day celebrations around the 50 States are watered down from what our parents witnessed. Christians and non-Christians fall short in embracing the Thanksgiving Holiday as a special time to be grateful. The focus fails to be God-centered on His goodness and faithfulness towards us. There appears to be a drifting away from an attitude of being thankful. “Gratefulness is the lifestyle of few.  However, giving thanks and being grateful is the Christian life. Every opportunity to approach the Lord of our life is a joyous occasion to be in His presence; there to spontaneously offer Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving Day celebration affords Christians an added opportunity for expressions of Thanksgiving.  As a matter of concern, there is a rebellion/rejection of the feast, gathering together, prayer, and praise worship services on the fourth Thursday of November. Many distractions overshadow this American holiday. The annual family and friends gathering for feasts are now considered annual festivities, with filled football stations, large city parades, retail shopping madness, and cyber purchasing around Black Friday. The purpose of “Thanksgiving“ loses with the embrace of unholy practices.  Christians ought to take a stand on doings in a holy manner, even though people do otherwise.

This Thanksgiving Day,  let each of you “ spend time focusing on God’s goodness and grace.  Refresh your souls by recalling the Lord’s lovingkindness in the morning and His faithfulness as you retire at night. “(IN Touch Ministries Nov. 2021). “Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endures forever” (Ps. 107:1).

Prayer: Lord, Your eyes are on the righteous, and Your ears are attentive to our prayers. The spirituality of Thanksgiving emphasizes giving without expecting anything in return. In Jesus’ name. Amen

(by Novella D. Carpenter)